Joe Levkowitz

righteye

2 years ago

JOE LEVKOWITZ
Business
Co-owner, Chicago Store

The Levkowitz family moved to Tucson from Chicago in 1918. Joe was born at “the Stork’s Nest” on Church Street, on December 1, 1918 – the 4th of seven children. Joe delivered newspapers and helped out in the Chicago Store after school, waiting on customers and sweeping the floor. Originally, the store carried new and used clothing, jewelry and guns. Eventually, people started bringing in instruments to sell on consignment and little by little, that became the main source of revenue. So in 1946, Joe and his brother Phil partnered and dove head first into the music business.

The Levkowitz brothers frequently loaned instruments to local musicians, and wanting every child to have the opportunity to play, would often rent to families with little or no cash or credit. In the late 1950s, the brothers donated all the instruments necessary for Salpointe Catholic High School to start a school band. The store was then located on West Congress across from the White House Department Store, but needed much more space by 1967, and moved into its present location on Congress and 6th Avenue. Together, Joe and Phil operated the Chicago Store for over 60 years.

Joe’s loving wife Sylvia, recalls Joe as a true “Wheeler Dealer,” adored by his customers, many of whom still come in with their children and reminisce about the days when their parents rented school instruments for them. Raised working in the store, Joe’s saxophone playing son Mark now manages the business, and still provides the best service and product selection for musicians in Tucson, and worldwide.